Mahacef Dry Syrup

MAHACEF DRY SYRUP by MANKIND PHARMA LTD

MAHACEF DRY SYRUP is an antibiotic medication primarily prescribed for children to combat a broad spectrum of bacterial infections.

• Composition: The active ingredient in MAHACEF DRY SYRUP is Cefixime, typically available in strengths like 50mg/5ml or 100mg/5ml. Cefixime belongs to the class of third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics, working by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is crucial for bacterial survival, thus leading to the destruction and death of the bacteria.

• Uses: This medicine is effective against various bacterial infections, including those affecting the ear (otitis media), nose, throat (tonsillitis, pharyngitis), sinuses, lungs and respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia), skin and soft tissues, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary tract (cystitis, kidney infections). It is also used to treat uncomplicated typhoid fever in children and adolescents. It is important to note that MAHACEF DRY SYRUP is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

• Dosage and Administration: MAHACEF DRY SYRUP is typically given to children, and the dose and duration depend on the type and severity of the infection, as advised by a doctor. For better absorption, it is often recommended to administer the medicine an hour before or two hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, it can be given with meals. The dry powder should be reconstituted with sterile water (as per instructions on the pack) and shaken well before use. The full course of antibiotics must be completed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from recurring or becoming harder to treat. Do not double dose if a dose is missed; instead, continue with the regular schedule.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, stomach pain, indigestion (dyspepsia), diarrhea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, allergy (rash, pruritus, urticaria).
  • Serious Side Effects: Persistent vomiting, kidney damage, severe gastrointestinal infections (e.g., pseudomembranous colitis causing severe watery diarrhea), unusual bleeding or bruising, severe allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing), confusion, altered consciousness, or fits. Immediate medical attention is required if these occur.

• Precautions:

  • Individuals with a history of allergic reactions to Cefixime or any other cephalosporin antibiotics (including penicillins) should not use this medicine.
  • Use with caution in children with kidney problems, as dosage adjustment may be necessary.
  • Caution is advised for children with gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis, as it could worsen their condition.
  • MAHACEF DRY SYRUP may interact with medicines like carbamazepine (used for seizures) and anticoagulants such as warfarin, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
  • It is not effective for viral infections.

• Storage: The dry powder should be stored below 30°C. Once reconstituted, the suspension should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C and used within 7 days. Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

MAHACEF Dry Syrup is an antibiotic medication primarily used in children to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Its active ingredient is Cefixime, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

What is MAHACEF Dry Syrup used for?

MAHACEF Dry Syrup is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in children aged 6 months to 12 years. These include infections of the respiratory tract (such as pneumonia and bronchitis), urinary tract, ear (otitis media), nose, throat (tonsillitis, pharyngitis), and sinuses. It can also be prescribed for uncomplicated typhoid fever and certain sexually transmitted diseases.

How does MAHACEF Dry Syrup work?

MAHACEF Dry Syrup contains Cefixime, which is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by preventing the formation of the bacterial cell wall, a protective covering essential for the bacteria's survival. By inhibiting this process, Cefixime weakens and destroys the bacterial cell wall, leading to the death of the bacteria and stopping the infection from spreading.

What is the usual dosage for MAHACEF Dry Syrup?

The dosage of MAHACEF Dry Syrup depends on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the child's response to the medication. It should be given as directed by a doctor, usually at evenly spaced intervals. For children aged 2-12 years, a common dosage for ear infection might be 8 mg/kg, given twice daily for 7 days, or a single maximum dose of 200 mg. It is often recommended to be given an hour before or two hours after meals for better absorption, but can be taken with food if an upset stomach occurs. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from recurring or worsening.

What are the possible side effects of MAHACEF Dry Syrup?

Common side effects of MAHACEF Dry Syrup may include nausea, stomach pain, indigestion (dyspepsia), and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. More serious, though rare, side effects can include persistent vomiting, kidney damage, severe allergic reactions (like skin rash, itching, swelling), severe uncontrollable watery diarrhea, or unusual bleeding/bruising. If any serious or persistent side effects occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Is MAHACEF Dry Syrup safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

MAHACEF Dry Syrup is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when prescribed by a healthcare provider, although limited safety information is available for pregnancy. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits.

Can MAHACEF Dry Syrup be taken with other medications?

MAHACEF Dry Syrup can interact with other medications. It is important to inform the doctor about all other medicines a child is taking before starting treatment. For example, it can interact with anticoagulants like warfarin, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Antacids and iron supplements may decrease the absorption of cefixime. Additionally, Cefixime may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and should be avoided with certain live vaccines like cholera vaccine, BCG vaccine, and typhoid vaccine live.

What precautions should be taken with MAHACEF Dry Syrup?

Before administering MAHACEF Dry Syrup, inform the doctor if the child has any allergies to antibiotics (especially cephalosporins or penicillins), kidney issues, or gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis. It is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu, and unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to reduced effectiveness in the future. The full prescribed course should always be completed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to avoid antibiotic resistance.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If a dose of MAHACEF Dry Syrup is missed, it should be given as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. A double dose should not be given to make up for a missed one.

How should MAHACEF Dry Syrup be stored?

The dry powder should be reconstituted by adding sterile water as directed and shaking well. The constituted suspension should typically be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C and used within 7 days. It should be kept in its original pack, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture, and out of the reach of children and pets. Proper disposal of expired or unused medication is important.